(left) Lake Hotel is Yellowstone's oldest surviving hotel, built in 1891. Once a plain, boxed-shape building, this "railroad hotel" was transformed into a beautiful colonial-style luxury hotel during the first of a series of renovations started in 1904-1905 by Robert Reamer, the architect better known for designing the Old Faithful Inn.

(right) Tourists in 1905 would have recognized most of this exterior view of the hotel, though the wheelchair-accessible ramp is a modern-day improvement. The classic yellow and white exterior color has been present at the hotel since its early renovation by Reamer.

(left) The view towards Lake Yellowstone from a small informal snack area just off of the lobby.

(right) Porticoes that once greeted stage coaches now welcome travelers of a different era.